Can’t Win Me Back by Ginger Sue

Tatiana turned pale. She cautiously took the phone and pressed it against her reddened ear. "Dad..."
"Taty, your livestream has caused quite a stir outside. But you're quite smart to choose our own hotel. You must have learned
such a cunning move from Lyse, right?" Winston mocked.
"N-No..." Tatiana was afraid and became tongue-tied. "Dad, I'm sorry. It's all my fault. Please don't blame Lyse."
"Feeling any better after venting all that frustration?"
Winston's sudden question caught Tatiana off guard. "What?"
"I know that matter has been weighing on your heart. Your mom almost cries every night in her room because of it.
"If standing up tonight and exposing David's heinous act can make you feel better, then I fully support your decision." Winston's
deep and gentle voice was like a soothing balm as if he were afraid of scaring his timid daughter.
A strong wave of emotion surged, causing Tatiana's eyes to turn red. "Dad... I..."
"Good girl, don't cry and don't feel guilty. You were incredibly brave tonight. Your mom and I are proud of you."
As a renowned business tycoon, Winston actually choked up saying that, but he quickly suppressed it. He laughed heartily and
said, "From now on, be frank and bold. Don't always hide your thoughts. You're my daughter. I'll crush anyone who dares to
belittle you."
Tears flowed from Tatiana's eyes, streaming down her delicate cheeks.
When the call ended, Alyssa's phone was already damp, as if it had been pulled out of the water.

Seeing this, both Alyssa and Jasper were worried. Sean took out a handkerchief from his pocket and hurriedly wiped Tatiana's
tears. He felt so heartbroken that he could hardly catch his breath, yet he dared not ask what happened.
"Taty, did Dad scold you?" Alyssa asked gently.
Tatiana shook her head. With quivering lips, she said, "Dad said he's proud of me."
As she spoke, she turned around and buried her wet face in Sean's chest, crying uncontrollably.
Ever since she was a kid, although Tatiana excelled in her studies, all her siblings were outstanding and had the ability to take
charge.
Jonah was a president. Silas and Liam were impressive, and so was Axel, although she didn't know what he was doing out
there. Damien sacrificed himself, and Miley was the First Lady. Not to mention Alyssa, who was Tatiana's role model.
Compared to them, Tatiana felt insignificant and inferior. The deep-seated inferiority complex made her too afraid to ask her
father for anything, no matter how well she did.
But now, thinking she had caused big trouble and fearing her father's disappointment, she didn't expect to receive praise instead.
Tatiana was overwhelmed with mixed emotions. Tears streamed down her face, but each one was a tear of joy.
Upon hearing that, Jasper and Alyssa were both taken aback. Then, they smiled at each other.
"Dad was playing tricks on me. I was so scared."
Alyssa patted her chest but felt inexplicably relieved. "Luckily, he's got his wits about him this time."

Jasper also heaved a sigh of relief. He held her hand, interlocking their fingers and gently squeezing them.
"Taty, keep being brave in the future. We'll always be your strongest support."
"Oh, please don't. Not to rain on your parade, but I felt like I was riding a roller coaster tonight. My heart was beating so fast that
it almost jumped out of my chest. If it happens again, I might have a heart attack."
Alyssa lightly nudged Jasper with her elbow. "You're indulging her too much. Also, let me be the only warrior among the ladies in
our family."
Whether Miley or Tatiana, Alyssa hoped they wouldn't have to go through any more hardships in the future. She only wanted
them to be carefree.